The best things in life are free
Damian O’Keeffe
Well, unfortunately the best things in life aren’t always free but the bus to get there certainly is!
If you’re a visitor to Sydney or you’re a local looking for something to do, a good way to explore the city is on the 555 bus. The 555 is a free shuttle bus that circles the CBD, from Circular Quay to Central Station. It costs the NSW government $1.3 million a year, so you may as well get your money’s worth!
A couple of important stops to make:
Circular Quay
There’s a heap of free and expensive things to do at Circular Quay.
On the cheap: Check out what’s on at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). The MCA has free galleries and there are always special exhibitions (often also free) and fun things to do.
Living large: Jet boat ride around Sydney Harbour. It’s not the cheapest way to view Sydney Harbour but it’s possibly the most thrilling.
Martin Place
There’s always something happening at Martin Place and it’s usually free! The people watching is also great.
On the cheap: Check out Kochie and Mel on Sunrise. Who knows, maybe Justin Beiber will drop by and swear at the staff again!
Living large: GPO, unsurprisingly, is located at the GPO building. It’s home to a number of upmarket restaurants, food and bars including Prime, for a perfect steak or the GPO Cheese and Wine Room for top notch drops and fantastic fromage.
QVB
On the Cheap: You can’t go past Victoria’s Basement for heavily discounted, cheap as chips homewares, cooking ware and everything in between.
Living Large: The Antique Print Room is worth a look even if you don’t have the cash.
China Town and surrounds for great value food
Mamak – Just two blocks down Goulburn Street from the corner of George you’ll find great value, incredible Malaysian food. They don’t take bookings but it’s well worth the wait.
Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab – This is one of those restaurants where you need a bib. Harry’s is famous for… you guessed it, chilli crab! Not cheap but won’t break the bank either.
Spice I Am – This is a tiny place for arguably Sydney’s best Thai food. It’s delicious and definitely spicy
East Ocean – It’s Sydney’s most well know Yum Cha. A lot have complained recently of the removal of trolleys, but it’s the same yum cha menu and surprisingly good value, especially the more people at your table.
Of course, you’re going to get thirsty at some point and you can’t walk a single block without passing a pub, bar or drinking establishment of some kind. So here are a few to get you started.
Ivy – If you’re looking for something more stylish you can’t go past the massive Ivy complex. Pick a bar, any bar!
The Basement – This iconic Sydney venue is worth a visit even when there isn’t a great act on.
Europa – A casual, stylish, unassuming bar. It’s most of the things people look for in a bar but never quite find.
Grasshopper – Down a tiny lane of George Street, this is one of Sydney’s “cool new bars”.
If you’d like to know more about the 555 bus route you can check out the website here. Then jump back on to TrueLocal and find some more interesting places along the route.
